Humans
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We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
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Health & MedicineNO News
Preliminary research suggests that inhaled nitric oxide may offer a much-needed treatment for patients suffering from complications of sickle cell disease.
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HumansStudents shine in Science Talent Search
The Intel Science Talent Search announces its 40 finalists
By John Travis -
Health & MedicineMeaty receptor helps tongue savor flavor
Scientists have identified a receptor protein in taste buds that recognizes the flavor of monosodium glutamate.
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Health & MedicineNew Compounds Inhibit HIV in Lab
Two new compounds uncovered by pharmaceutical scientists block integrase, an enzyme essential to the replication cycle of the virus that causes AIDS.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineDo-It-Yourself: Virus recreated from synthetic DNA
In an experiment with implications for bioterrorism, scientists have used poliovirus' widely known genetic sequence to synthesize that virus from DNA and other chemicals.
By John Travis -
Health & MedicineVaccine for All? Math model supports mass smallpox inoculation
Vaccinating an entire city in response to a smallpox terrorist attack would save thousands more lives than would quarantining infected people and vaccinating anyone they contacted.
By Nathan Seppa -
AnthropologyEvolution’s Surprise: Fossil find uproots our early ancestors
Researchers announced the discovery of a nearly complete fossil skull, along with jaw fragments and isolated teeth, from the earliest known member of the human evolutionary family, which lived in central Africa between 7 million and 6 million years ago.
By Bruce Bower -
Health & MedicineDynamite discovery on nitroglycerin
Scientists have found a long-sought enzyme that may be behind nitroglycerin's dilation of blood vessels.
By John Travis -
Health & MedicineGinseng extract halts diabetes in mice
Extracts from the berry of the American ginseng plant counter obesity and insulin resistance in mice.
By Nathan Seppa -
Health & MedicineWatermelon red means lycopene rich
Watermelon is a far better source of the carotenoid lycopene than tomatoes are and at least as well absorbed by the body.
By Janet Raloff -
Health & MedicineBugged by Foreign Cuisine
One common experience that tourists encounter while traveling far from home is gut-wrenching diarrhea. In some developing countries, it’s so common that it’s picked up geographic eponyms, like Montezuma’s revenge in Mexico or Delhi belly on the Indian subcontinent. Mexican cuisine typically offers diners tabletop condiments–from spicy chili liquids to diced-veggie salsas and guacamole–to customize […]
By Janet Raloff -
HumansFrom the July 9, 1932, issue
MODERNISTIC BUILDING SHOWS ACHIEVEMENTS OF SCIENCE Strikingly modernistic in design and construction is the huge Hall of Science building in Chicago which has been dedicated as the key structure for the Century of Progress Exposition next year. Its two floors and mezzanine, containing 9 acres of exhibit space, will illustrate the development of the sciences […]
By Science News